COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE, UK, LONDON, 2008
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| Redevelopment of Commonwealth Institute |
By OMA © All rights reserved
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There is probably no other period to which contemporary
architecture is more indebted than the 1960s - a period of
structural invention that finally allowed modern architecture to
break free from the formalist geometries through which it had
manifested itself. In the context of architecture's present quest
for the iconic, the 60s experiments form a rich reservoir of
precedents. It is unfortunate then that much 1960s architecture is
now threatened with extensive demolition. With this project, we now
the opportunity to conceive a new future for London's Commonwealth
Institute and to ultimately rehabilitate a period that continues to
inform contemporary architecture. more.. |
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The original building, by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners, completed in 1962, marks the transition from British Empire to Commonwealth and is regarded by English Heritage, the UK government's statutory adviser on the historic environment, as an important modern building. The Commonwealth Institute has stood empty and been closed to the public since 2002. In 2006, the grade II* listed building (one of the highest protection ratings possible in the UK), was threatened with demolition after a (failed) government proposal to delist it. In December 2007, along with five other architectural firms, OMA was invited by Chelsfield deputy chairman Sir Stuart Lipton to consider the potential of the Commonwealth Institute site. OMA's design seeks to save the building by re-injecting life into the modernist monument while retaining its distinctive copper roof and parabolic form. New residential accommodation will integrate into the existing fabric of the site, regenerating the western end of Kensington High Street. |
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FACT SHEET
Project: Redevelopment of Commonwealth Institute Status: Construction Client: Chelsfield and their partner Ilchester Estate Location: Kensington and Chelsea, London Site: Edge of Holland Park Program: Addition of residential scheme alongside the rejuvenation of the 1960s structure
PRESS
Architects Journal, 20 August 2009 Building Design, 3 July 2009 Evening Standard, 16 December 2008 Financial Times, 26 December 2008 Guardian, 23 March 2008
CREDITS
Partners in charge: Associates in charge: Project Managers: Carol Patterson Isabel Silva Team: |
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